THE HEART OF THE WORLD : An Introduction to Contemplative Christianity

As a result of his exposure to Eastern spiritual traditions, Fr. Keating was led to develop the modern form of Christian contemplative prayer called Centering Prayer. The transcendent experience that many Christians seek in Eastern religions is abundantly available to those who make use of the suggestions in this introduction to contemplative Christianity.

The Christian heritage contains a rich contemplative wisdom, literature, and practice, and this volume is written for those who would like to find enrichment in spiritual practices grounded in non-Christian religions while retaining basic Christian commitments. Traditional Christian subjects such as sacrifice, redemption, salvation, faith, and prayer are discussed to foster understanding of their contemplative aspects. Explanations on how practices such as Lectio Divina clear the mind of the hectic nature of everyday life and help prepare the heart for profound listening to the divine within are also included. Paperback 98 pp

Thomas Keating was the founder of the Centering Prayer movement, an author, a teacher, and a monk who worked for many years to foster understanding among the world's religions. A member of the Cistercian Order in the Benedictine tradition, he served at monasteries in Colorado and Massachusetts and directed retreats in the practice of Centering Prayer, a cornerstone of contemporary Christian contemplative practice.  He lived at St. Benedict's Monastery in Snowmass, Colorado.